Candidate filing period underway for November election

By Staff Report · Fri Jul 24 2026

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — With just over 100 days remaining before the Nov. 3 General Election, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder’s Office is reminding prospective candidates and voters of important election deadlines and requirements.

The candidate filing period for the November election runs through 5 p.m. Aug. 7. The filing period applies to candidates advancing from the June primary election, as well as candidates seeking seats on school boards, community services districts and special district boards.

If an incumbent does not file by the Aug. 7 deadline, the filing period for that office will be extended through 5 p.m. Aug. 12 for non-incumbent candidates only.

Candidates seeking school board, community services district or special district offices must schedule a filing appointment in advance by contacting the Elections Office at (805) 781-5228. Candidates for city offices must file directly with their respective city clerk offices.

Local offices appearing on the Nov. 3 ballot include seats for school districts, community services districts and special districts throughout San Luis Obispo County.

School districts with contested offices include the San Luis Obispo County Board of Education, Cuesta College, Allan Hancock Joint Community College District, Atascadero Unified School District, Coast Unified School District, Cuyama Joint Unified School District, Lucia Mar Unified School District, Paso Robles Joint Unified School District, San Luis Coastal Unified School District, San Miguel Joint Union School District, Santa Maria Bonita School District, Shandon Joint Unified School District, Templeton Unified School District, Cayucos Elementary School District and Pleasant Valley Joint Union Elementary School District.

Community services districts with elections include Avila Beach, California Valley, Cambria, Ground Squirrel Hollow, Heritage Ranch, Independence Ranch, Linne, Los Osos, Nipomo, Oceano, San Miguel, San Simeon, Squire Canyon and Templeton.

Special districts on the ballot include Port San Luis Harbor District, Santa Margarita Fire Protection District, Cambria Community Healthcare District, Cayucos Sanitary District, Garden Farms Community Water District and Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District.

Additional offices advancing from the June primary election, including U.S. House of Representatives, State Assembly and statewide constitutional offices, will also appear on the November ballot.

The County Elections Office has published candidate filing guidelines with information on offices, filing fees, nomination signature requirements and qualifications.

Registered voters will automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot, which will be mailed beginning Oct. 5. Ballot drop boxes will also open that day. Early in-person voting begins Oct. 5 at the County Elections Office in San Luis Obispo, while the Atascadero Elections Office will offer early voting and voter assistance from Oct. 26 through Election Day.

The deadline to register to vote or update voter registration information is Oct. 19. Conditional same-day voter registration will be available from Oct. 20 through Election Day.

Polling places will be open Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about candidate filing, voter registration or the November election, contact the Elections Office at (805) 781-5228, email elections@co.slo.ca.us or visit slovote.gov/november2026